| There are of course many models of laptop | | | | processor and enough extras to make it truly a good |
| computer on the market, from tiny ultra-portable | | | | replacement for a traditional desktop or laptop |
| notebooks that weigh only a couple of pounds to | | | | computer. |
| large, sturdy (and very heavy) models equipped with | | | | Factor #3 - Processor Speed |
| 17″ screens, full size keyboards and more. | | | | Lightweight notebooks are often far less costly than |
| With so many choices it can be hard to know what | | | | traditional laptops, and one of the ways |
| to look for and just as hard to find the notebook or | | | | manufacturers cut the cost is by skimping on the |
| laptop that truly represents good value for the | | | | model and speed of the processor. The CPU is the |
| money. | | | | heart of any laptop, no matter what its size, so be |
| If you have been trying to decide between a full size | | | | sure to look for an ultra-portable laptop with a solid |
| laptop and one of those ultra-lightweight notebooks | | | | processor built in. |
| you are certainly not alone. Many computer users are | | | | Factor #4 - The Amount of Memory |
| struck by the incredible lightness of these new | | | | The amount of memory is one of the best |
| portable notebooks, and they may be wondering if | | | | determinants of how fast the notebook will run, so |
| these notebooks can really replace larger and bulkier | | | | don't skimp on RAM. The good news is that many of |
| machines. These ultra-lightweight notebooks are | | | | the most popular ultra-portables on the market boast |
| certainly much easier to carry around than those full | | | | a good amount of memory - often 4GB or more. |
| size laptops - indeed most models weigh in at only a | | | | Boosting the amount of installed memory is one of |
| couple of pounds. This light weight makes them easy | | | | the best ways to boost the performance and |
| to carry from place to place - certainly a boon to | | | | usefulness of your lightweight notebook. |
| road warriors and busy workers on the go. | | | | Factor #5 - Screen Size |
| But before you take the plunge it is important to | | | | One of the things that makes ultra-portable laptops |
| consider a number of factors. These ultra-portable | | | | so lightweight and easy to carry is the size of the |
| machines are a great choice for many users, but | | | | screen. When shopping for this class of laptop you |
| they may not be the solution for every user. In | | | | will typically be looking at screen sizes between |
| order to determine if an ultra-portable notebook is | | | | 7″ and 12″. These differences in screen |
| right for you it is important to consider a number of | | | | size can be significant, and it is a good idea to look at |
| factors. | | | | a few models in person to ensure the screen will be |
| Factor #1 - Your Computing Lifestyle | | | | useful for you. |
| One of the most important factors to consider is | | | | Factor #6 - Keyboard Size |
| whether or not you really need such a lightweight | | | | The size of the keyboard is yet another factor with |
| notebook. Those tiny laptops are certainly sleek and | | | | this class of notebook, so again it is a good idea to |
| attractive, but do they fit well with the way you | | | | actually lay your hands on the computer. Go to the |
| work? If you do most of your computing in your | | | | store and type on the keyboard - does the |
| office or your home you probably will not see many | | | | keyboard feel comfortable and easy to use? The |
| of the benefits of an ultra-portable notebook, and | | | | good news here is that even some of the smallest |
| you may be better off with a full size laptop that | | | | ultra-portables have surprisingly large and easy to use |
| boasts a large screen and easy to use keyboard. | | | | keyboards. |
| If on the other hand you are a busy executive on | | | | Factor #7 - Optical Drive (or Lack Thereof) |
| the go who needs constant access to email and | | | | Many people are surprised to find that many |
| other applications a super lightweight laptop may be | | | | ultra-portable notebooks do not come with a built-in |
| just what the doctor ordered. These notebooks | | | | DVD drive, so it is important to look for this feature |
| were created with the needs of the traveler in mind, | | | | as you shop. One of the great things about buying a |
| and ultra-portable notebooks are the perfect choice | | | | small and compact notebook computer is that it can |
| for road warriors and others who travel frequently. | | | | serve as both computer and portable DVD player. If |
| These handy machines can offer many of the | | | | the ability to play your favorite movies while on the |
| benefits of a web-enabled cell phone, including | | | | go is important to you be sure to look for an |
| internet surfing, email access, calendar applications | | | | ultra-portable with a built-in DVD drive. |
| and more in a package that weighs only a few | | | | Factor #8 - USB Slots and External Connections |
| pounds. | | | | We all know how useful those little USB thumb drives |
| Factor #2 - Cost vs. Capability | | | | can be, but some lightweight notebooks provide only |
| In addition to their size there is another very | | | | a few - or none at all. It is important for computer |
| attractive feature of many lightweight laptops - | | | | shoppers to look at the external connections on the |
| namely their very low prices. With a bit of shopping | | | | notebooks they are considering - not only USB slots |
| around it is possible to find these ultra-lightweight | | | | but connections for external monitors, docking |
| notebooks on sale for only a few hundred dollars, | | | | stations and more. |
| making them as affordable as they are useful. | | | | By considering these factors you will be better able |
| Of course that low cost can come with a price tag | | | | to determine if one of these super sleek and super |
| of its own, so it is important to shop around carefully. | | | | lightweight notebooks is the right choice for you. |
| The specs of these lightweight laptops can | | | | Buying a new computer is a major purchase, and it is |
| themselves be a bit light at times, so it is important | | | | important to give this purchase the care and |
| to choose a machine with plenty of memory, a solid | | | | consideration it deserves. |